Last edit by: KenTarmac
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
This is a quick and updated (periodically, by members) summary of post 1 that will be visible at the top of all pages of this thread.
CLT airport website: https://www.cltairport.com/
Link to older archived posts.
American operates flights out of concourses (sometimes) A and (always) B, C, D and E.
Ticket counters
Main Terminal - Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Concourses:
From Airport Website
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
Getting from Concourse to Concourse
There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one has to clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security. [Obviously not applicable for those pre-cleared at selected overseas locations such as DUB] Keep in mind that if you purchased any liquids on the plane (duty free) you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule and even check the bottles!
There are several moving walkways at the airport. At the least, there is a moving walkway at the beginning of each concourse, sometimes there are several (concourses A and E).
Other moving walkways include:
Security at CLT
Security wait times can vary widely both by time/day. Monday mornings can have long lines. Checkpoints A and B are often the most crowded. When this is the case it's worth the walk to checkpoints C through E to avoid the long lines.
Since all the checkpoints share access to the secure area it really doesn't matter which one you use, they will all get you access to all gates.
Below is a break down of where the TSA precheck lanes are and where the checkpoints drop you off within the airport.
Most of the time CLT is really good in terms of on-time performance. However summer thunderstorms can drastically affect your travel experience.
AA-AA ID .50 BDA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY BS - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00 COUNTRY CA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY IE - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.15 REGION EUR - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00
--Parking info can be found at this link.
*Security Note: If you park using curbside valet your car will be searched.
Cell Phone Lot: Park for free while waiting for arriving flights at CLT’s Cell Phone Lot. All drivers are required to remain with their vehicles. Parking is provided on a first come, first served basis as space is available.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are in the parking deck directly across from the terminal. Follow the signs to the deck and take the escalator or elevator to the second level where you'll find the rental car counters. You no longer have to take a shuttle to the rental cars.
--More info on Rental Cars
Public Transportation
CATS offers service from CLT:
Visit the CATS Website for more details and schedules.
Where to eat in the airport
--Good map of CLT Dining
CLT Lounges
There are two Currency Exchange locations in CLT, both operated by Travelex:
How quick is baggage claim in CLT?
CLT offers free Wi-Fi around the airport. The Admirals Club provides free access for club members through AT&T.
Do I have time to go into Charlotte?
You could take a cab or the city bus (see post Public Transportation above for info). I would venture to town only if there is more than 3 hours to kill and there is nothing you can do at the airport.
Lyft and Uber can both pick up at the airport.
Where can I smoke at the airport?
There are three:
This is a quick and updated (periodically, by members) summary of post 1 that will be visible at the top of all pages of this thread.
Check-in times Link
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
Link to older archived posts.
American operates flights out of concourses (sometimes) A and (always) B, C, D and E.
Ticket counters
Main Terminal - Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Concourses:
- Concourse A is used by mostly other airlines (Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Via) but American uses Concourse A for some flights
- Concourse B is usually used for flights to the West
- Concourse C is usually used for East coast flights. Republic operated flights fly out of C as well.
- Concourse D (The International Concourse) Most transatlantic flights out of CLT are at the far end of concourse D (Lufthansa and Volaris included)
- D4 (A and B) are also express gates (Piedmont operated flights.)
- Concourse E is the American Eagle concourse (Regional flights – RJs)
From Airport Website
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
CLT / Charlotte Douglas International Airport map
Getting from Concourse to Concourse
There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one has to clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security. [Obviously not applicable for those pre-cleared at selected overseas locations such as DUB] Keep in mind that if you purchased any liquids on the plane (duty free) you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule and even check the bottles!
There are several moving walkways at the airport. At the least, there is a moving walkway at the beginning of each concourse, sometimes there are several (concourses A and E).
Other moving walkways include:
- Across the atrium between concourses A, B and C.
- Between the security checkpoint C exit and concourses D and E.
Security at CLT
Security wait times can vary widely both by time/day. Monday mornings can have long lines. Checkpoints A and B are often the most crowded. When this is the case it's worth the walk to checkpoints C through E to avoid the long lines.
Since all the checkpoints share access to the secure area it really doesn't matter which one you use, they will all get you access to all gates.
Below is a break down of where the TSA precheck lanes are and where the checkpoints drop you off within the airport.
- A Checkpoint: Standard 4 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.
- B Checkpoint: Standard, Main Pre✓ ® 4 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.
- C Checkpoint: Standard, Flex Lanes 5 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.
- C Checkpoint: Employee 4 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
- D Checkpoint: Main Pre✓ ®, Preferred 6 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.
- E Checkpoint: Standard 4:30 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Most of the time CLT is really good in terms of on-time performance. However summer thunderstorms can drastically affect your travel experience.
- Domestic Connections: MCT is 40 minutes. A minimum 1 hour scheduled connection time should be sufficient for domestic connections.
- According to ExpertFlyer, the current MCT for American Airlines International-Domestic are:
AA-AA ID .50 BDA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY BS - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00 COUNTRY CA - ALL
AA-AA ID .50 COUNTRY IE - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.15 REGION EUR - ALL
AA-AA ID 1.00
- MCT for anything involving international flights is 90 minutes; that will work for domestic to international, but:
- I'm a non-US passport holder connecting in CLT from an international to a domestic flight. How long of a layover should I schedule?
A: MCT is 90 minutes, but you should schedule a minimum of 2 hours to be safe to accommodate CBP, claiming your bags and then rechecking. (ie: LHR-CLT-PHX)
--Parking info can be found at this link.
*Security Note: If you park using curbside valet your car will be searched.
Cell Phone Lot: Park for free while waiting for arriving flights at CLT’s Cell Phone Lot. All drivers are required to remain with their vehicles. Parking is provided on a first come, first served basis as space is available.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are in the parking deck directly across from the terminal. Follow the signs to the deck and take the escalator or elevator to the second level where you'll find the rental car counters. You no longer have to take a shuttle to the rental cars.
--More info on Rental Cars
Public Transportation
CATS offers service from CLT:
- Route 5 Sprinter Airport Express - To Center City (Uptown)
Visit the CATS Website for more details and schedules.
Where to eat in the airport
--Good map of CLT Dining
CLT Lounges
- American Airlines has two Admirals Clubs in CLT: A larger one between concourses C and D and smaller newly renovated one in concourse B.
- AMEX is adding a new Centurion lounge, at CLT. It will be located after security at the intersection of Concourses D and E, on the top floor of a new airport expansion. Opening Monday, February 24, 2020
- The Club CLT. Priority Pass lounge located in the A gate connector.
There are two Currency Exchange locations in CLT, both operated by Travelex:
- One location in the center court atrium inside the secured area (airside). This location is open from 7 AM to 10 PM seven days a week.
- A second currency exchange location has been added at the entrance to the D concourse in front of gates D1 and D2. This location is open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM seven days a week.
How quick is baggage claim in CLT?
- Baggage claim returns in CLT tend to run a little longer than most airports. Expect a wait time of 20 to 25 minutes on average after deplaning. Depending on workload baggage returns can run upwards of 30 to 45 minutes.
- Baggage returns for flights arriving on the E concourse and the A Concourse extension can take up to 45 minutes.
- There is one the 2nd floor of the Atrium. More info available here: www.cltairportchapel.org
CLT offers free Wi-Fi around the airport. The Admirals Club provides free access for club members through AT&T.
Do I have time to go into Charlotte?
You could take a cab or the city bus (see post Public Transportation above for info). I would venture to town only if there is more than 3 hours to kill and there is nothing you can do at the airport.
Lyft and Uber can both pick up at the airport.
Where can I smoke at the airport?
- Charlotte Douglas International is a smoke free facility. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, which includes all restaurants and bars.
- Smokers on the front curb of the terminal are encouraged to use courtesy areas on each end of Baggage Claim and Ticketing levels.
There are three:
- Concourse A Connector
- Concourse A/B Connector
- Concourse D
GUIDE: CLT / Charlotte Douglas Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
#46
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Charlotte
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, AA Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents
Posts: 1,214
I agree that the traffic patterns are all jacked up at this time. I came in to CLT Monday AM from Little Rock Rd to get to LT 1 or 2. There was traffic merging, and it was causing everyone to move at a snails pace. Hope the brain surgeons at CLT get this figured out sooner rather than later.
Cheers.
Cheers.
#47
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
Beware: if you're leaving the rental car lots and drive away from the airport on the same road that used to lead to Wilkinson Boulevard (eventually), it's now rerouted, and after driving past all of the rental car lots, you'll soon be forced to bear left and will be on a road around the airport. It took me about 10+ minutes to finally get to an entrance to I-485, which worked for me, but if you're heading uptown, you'll be way off track.
#48
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: CLT
Posts: 181
Beware: if you're leaving the rental car lots and drive away from the airport on the same road that used to lead to Wilkinson Boulevard (eventually), it's now rerouted, and after driving past all of the rental car lots, you'll soon be forced to bear left and will be on a road around the airport. It took me about 10+ minutes to finally get to an entrance to I-485, which worked for me, but if you're heading uptown, you'll be way off track.
#49
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, Bonvoy Gold, SkyMiles Dirt
Posts: 448
Looks the the Automated Passport Kiosks (for US Citizens) are now up and running. Any one experienced them yet at CLT? Any effect on wait times for CBP Processing?
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/201...l#.U21D0Fc3dv8
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/201...l#.U21D0Fc3dv8
#51
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 19
Is 1h20 enough connection time?
I am flying PUJ-CLT-DCA. We are UK citizens. On arrival in Charlotte from the Dominican Republic I assume we will have to clear customs, collect our checked luggage and re-check it for our onward flight to DCA. Is 1h20 too tight?
#52
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Everywhere
Posts: 756
There are plenty of flights to DCA so even if you miss your flight you should be ok (assuming it is part of the same ticket).
#53
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 19
Is 1h20 enough time for intl-dom conn at CLT?
Our flight arrives at CLT from PUJ at 18:22 (AA) and my onward flight to DCA leaves at 19:45 (UA).
We will be checking bags and we are UK passport holders.
How likely is it we will make this connection and what is the process?
Thanks!
We will be checking bags and we are UK passport holders.
How likely is it we will make this connection and what is the process?
Thanks!
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Clear immigration. Get checked bags. Clear Customs. Drop bags at re-check station. Clear security. Board connecting flight.
Minimum Connect Time Dominican Republic to U.S. domestic appears to be eighty minutes so your schedule is not generous. (I assume you meant US-operated CLT-DCA as I don't see UA flying it tomorrow.)
There is a 22:15 departure CLT-DCA.
Minimum Connect Time Dominican Republic to U.S. domestic appears to be eighty minutes so your schedule is not generous. (I assume you meant US-operated CLT-DCA as I don't see UA flying it tomorrow.)
There is a 22:15 departure CLT-DCA.
#55
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 533
Is 1h20 enough time for intl-dom conn at CLT?
should be fine. Charlotte is a small international airport, and you are not competing with international arrivals at that time. Should be relatively quick through immigration, redrop your bags, security and the next flight. You are likely flying US-US and they have purposely banked flights tight to maximize connections and minimize downtime.
#56
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS, BWI, DCA, IAD
Programs: American, Delta, JetBlue, United
Posts: 2,121
I had a similar connection in CLT a few years ago coming from MUC or LH and going on to DCA on US. I don't recall the exact connecting time but I remember that everything went quite smoothly and swiftly.
#57
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 19
It really depends on your arrival time relative to the international arrivals. If you get in before the flights from LHR / CDG / etc you should be fine with 1:20.
There are plenty of flights to DCA so even if you miss your flight you should be ok (assuming it is part of the same ticket).
There are plenty of flights to DCA so even if you miss your flight you should be ok (assuming it is part of the same ticket).
#59
Moderator: American AAdvantage & Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: American ExPlat; Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,122
This assumes a single ticket with both the AA and UA segments. If separate tickets, assuming AA is like US, it's highly unlikely AA will interline the bags to UA.
Heck, most of the time now, US won't even interline to their own partner if it's two tickets.
Heck, most of the time now, US won't even interline to their own partner if it's two tickets.
#60
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, SPG Plat, AMEX Plat, Hertz PC, Travels too Much Platinum
Posts: 3,290
So long as you don't arrive during the European arrival rush you'll be fine. Last week on a FRA-CLT, "customs was full" on arrival at about 4:45pm and they held us on the plane for 15 min, then I was greeted by massive lines for both visitors and citizens at immigration. Thankfully I breezed through due to Global Entry and no checked bags, then was through the D security checkpoint with TSA PreCheck immediately thereafter - plane to connecting gate was probably 15 min total. However, some likely misconnected or it would have been pretty tight.
OP is arriving late enough though that barring a delayed arrival of several inbound widebodies from Europe, they'll likely be fine.
OP is arriving late enough though that barring a delayed arrival of several inbound widebodies from Europe, they'll likely be fine.